Football
18 April, 2024
Nhill 2024 Season Preview
A look at Nhill's 2024 season in both football and netball and a message from President Rob Bell.
Nhill signed Jake McQueen as coach for the upcoming season and is excited about what he is already bringing to the team.
McQueen has played VFL for Essendon, and has had stints in the TAC Cup and Ovens and Murray League and is well credentialled to guide the senior team into their next journey.
Among Nhill's recruits are Daniel Batson from Robinvale-Euston in the Sunraysia league, Dylan Ridding from Gaza Eagles in the Adelaide League and Peter Politis from the Northern Territory.
Jake Harrap has returned to the club following a stint in South Australia. As a former best and fairest winner, he will slot back into the midfield.
"We realised we were young and small and we went out to recruit some wise heads and taller players," McQueen said.
"Everyone we have brought in will cover those areas and our midfield has strengthened a lot."
"In regards to game style, we are not changing it too much. We will tweak it and refine it a bit, but we aim to be quick and nimble whilst adding a lot of defensive pressure."
"We don't want to go 100 miles an hour all the time. We need to slow the game down a bit and control it more."
When asked what the expectations are and what he brings to the team, McQueen was quick to point out there are no expectations.
"We are a young group and they are eager to get out there and I am placing no expectations on them," McQueen said.
"The main thing I bring to the team is more professionalism and want to get that enjoyment there.
"They are a good group of players and are eager to learn and that is what you want as a coach."
McQueen pointed out Jarryd Dahlenberg as a player to watch this season.
"Jarryd has had a ripper of a pre-season and I believe it will be a breakout season for him. He is going to be very important through the midfield and off halfback and I am looking forward to seeing him in action," McQueen said.
"As for a younger player, Bronte Hiscock has put his name up there as a small forward."
Nhill travel to Minyip Murtoa to open their season.
NETBALLERS LOOK TO IMPROVE ON 2023
Tracey Bell and Emma Hawker are co-coaching the A Grade this year and after making finals last year, they are looking forward to seeing how the team improves this year.
Ellen Bennett and Larnie Hobbs are returning and Claudia Mcrae is coming back from a knee reconstruction.
Courtney Hillier is a new face and Elly Schumann from Jeparit Rainbow is also a new face who will be strong in defence.
Tracey Bell says that they all bring a lot to the team.
"I think that all of those girls are strong team players and have good netball brains," Bell said.
"They have a lot of good ideas for the team and are great communicators and bring some great leadership."
Bell doesn't have high expectations this season and whilst they want to play finals again, team cohesion is a big focus.
"The main focus is to focus on the team and team cohesion and making sure the girls are really enjoying the game and playing consistently each week," Bell said.
"Ultimately our long-term goal is to make finals and go deeper than last year, as with a lot of other clubs, but if the girls are enjoying the game and working well together, that will take care of itself."
When asked what the key strength is this year, Bell mentioned the on-court leadership.
"Our strength is the on-court leadership with a more experienced team. That and versatility is our strength this year and I am looking forward to seeing how it goes," Bell said.
Bell is excited about Ruby James this year, having scored 247 goals last year.
"Ruby is the youngest player in our A Grade side and she has been looking great during training," Bell said.
"She has good support around her and I think she will gain a lot of confidence from her teammates.
"I am hoping she can string a nice consistent season together this year. She was our main and most accurate goalie last season so I am hoping she can strive and push forward this year and dominate in the goal ring."
Bell would also like to point out that whilst the numbers are looking good they always welcome new players and have a nice group of girls.
"We will always welcome new and returning players because as the season goes on, there are usually injuries and illness, so it's always good to have more numbers," Bell said.
"We have a nice group here. They are locals and they are not only supporting our local club but also the community and that is a strength of ours.
"They are happy to give back to the community that they live and work in."
FROM THE PRESIDENT
President Rob Bell is impressed with how new coach Jake McQueen has handled pre-season.
"Jake was on our radar for a couple of years and we were planning towards him and as a first-year coach he is impressing us, we are very happy with him," Bell said.
"He has a good support group around him with Jaye Macumber and David Flood, and we like what he is bringing to the team."
In netball, Emma Hawker and Tracey Bell are co-coaches and Bell likes what he sees.
"We have gained a few players and past players have come back which is great to see," Bell said.
"The girls are excited about the coming season."
Bell said they are lucky enough to be able to field a side in every grade, but with the new rules, it may affect them.
Off-field, they are celebrating their success in the 1960's. There will be a premiership reunion for senior football from 1964, 1965 and 1969 whilst the 1967 reserves premiership will also be celebrated.
They have also secured funding to help improve facilities and Bell said it is an exciting time.
"It will be good to get some of those guys back at the club from the 60s. It is going to be a big day which will be celebrated on July 20," Bell said.
"We have also finally got funding to build our change rooms and grandstand seating which will involve a timekeepers box, media box and change rooms and that will go out to tender this year.
"We will then hopefully build during the season and hopefully get it finished in time for the 2025 season, so there is a lot to look forward to at Davis Park."